Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Synod, ELCA

Teaching Fish to Walk: Church Systems and Adaptive Challenges
2018-10-12 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | King of Glory Lutheran Church – Dallas, 6411 LBJ Freeway ·, Dallas, TX, 75240, United States
Informative | Interactive | Provocative | Imaginative
The Teaching Fish to Walk: Church Systems and Adaptive Challenges workshop will have no elephants in the room. We will explore with participants in an open and provocative way the future of the Christian faith in the context of the great velocity and reach of change in North America.
We have no “golden” answers. But we believe that a vital, realistic yet encouraging and collaborative conversation needs to happen. The church faces many adaptive issues, not unlike the early church had to contend with such as defining leadership roles and establishing its own lexicon to define words to convey fresh meaning regarding what they believed and who they were.
Adaptation means making structures or situations more suitable to the environment. Adaptation is evolutionary, and evolution is always messy. In Germany, for instance, arborists have discovered that certain types of trees are beginning to grow “anxiety shoots.” With changes in climate, trees are adapting with new root systems. Could we do less?
“We” are two Lutheran pastors (veteran church leaders). The Rev. Dr. Jon Lee is the former Senior Pastor at King of Glory, Dallas, and a past president of the Dallas Clergy Association. The Rev. Dr. Pete Steinke is an internationally respected church consultant and author/speaker. Together, they will offer presentations, guide group activities, and learn alongside of others.
Remember what William Deming said: “Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you are getting.” We will start from there.
Cost:
Early Registration: $40 per person (Sept 28th deadline)
Regular Registration: $50 (or $45 for two or more from the same congregation)
Check payments to be made to New Visions Workshop, or Pay online

Public Witness Team meeting
2018-10-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
Virtual participation also available, from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/930852498
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +16699006833,,930852498# or +19294362866,,930852498#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 929 436 2866
Meeting ID: 930 852 498

Public Witness Book Club: Birth of a White Nation
2018-10-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
12:15pm – 2:00pm
Discussing Birth of a White Nation
Potluck lunch

The Eighth Annual Herbener Lecture: "Is It Time for Another 'Sola'? A Latino Immigrant Reading of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation and Lectures on Genesis As a Lens for Dealing With Migrants Today"
2018-10-14 | Christ Lutheran Church – Dallas, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225, United States
Sponsored by the Luther Center of North Texas (LCNT)
Honoring and Remembering the LCNT Founder, Bishop Emeritus Mark B. Herbener

Sunday, 14 October 2018, 4:00 P.M.
Christ Lutheran Church, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX

The Lecture, “Is It Time for Another ‘Sola’? A Latino Immigrant Reading of Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation and Lectures on Genesis As a Lens for Dealing With Migrants Today”
The Lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.
The Werner R. H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries
Director of the Center for Hispanic Studies
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO

NT-NL Leadership Convocation
2018-10-14 - 2018-10-16 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Adaptive Leadership in Anxious Times
REGISTER HERE!
Presenter
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rick Lynch – He is formerly the commanding officer of Fort Hood and an active member of Immanuel, Killeen. He is the author of two books Adapt or Die: Leadership Principles of an American General and Work Hard Pray Hard: The Power of Faith in Action. As a speaker, he is in demand across the world for the unique blending of his experiences, faith, and knowledge of the principles of adaptive leadership. He will speak particularly on the challenges of leading adaptively in times of anxiety and change.
Key Goals
The learning will be focused on informing and equipping leaders to understand the concepts of adaptive leadership particularly in anxious settings. This event is open to rostered leaders, spouses, lay members of congregations, and ecumenical colleagues.
Planned Schedule
Sunday, 14 October
(Arrive anytime after 3pm to check in; Book Exchange in Shalom)
6:00pm – Pizza and Hot hors d’oeuvres available in Streng Center
6:45pm – Evening with the Bishop Presentation and Conversation
8:00pm – Worship (Campfire Ring near Pavilion)
9:00pm – Fellowship @ Quail Run
Monday, 15 October
7:30am – Breakfast @ Shalom
8:30am – Morning Prayer
8:45am – Learning Session 1
10:15am – Break
10:45am – Learning Session 2
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Free time (Skeet, Hiking, Conversation with Synod Staff, Personal time, or Golf – contact Nick Billardello for info: 817-688-8799)
5:00pm – Happy Hour @ Quail Run (Sponsored by Revitalizing Congregations Team)
6:00pm – Cookout Dinner
7:00pm – Optional Q&A with Presenter in Chapel
8:00pm – Fellowship @ Quail Run
Tuesday, 16 October
7:30am – Breakfast @ Shalom
8:15am – Hymn and Devotion
8:30am – Learning Session 3
9:45am – Break
10:00am – Learning Session 4-Final Thoughts
11:00am – Break for Setup
11:15am – Sending Eucharist and Affirmation of Vocation
(Please note, due to lack of interest in 2017, it is not good stewardship to offer lunch at Briarwood on Tuesday; please enjoy lunch at one of many options in the area, if you so choose.)
Costs (Held steady as last 2 years)
Commuters: $150 (Spouse – $140) for all three days
Commuter Daily Rates: $55 per day (Spouse – $50 per day)
Quail Run (Hotel rooms) – $245 (double occupancy) / Spouse – $180
Oak Grove (Cabins) – $185 (8 to 12 to a cabin) / Spouse – $100
Trails End (Cabin) – $160 (18 person cabin) / Spouse – $100
If you are in need of one of a limited number of partial scholarships, email kris@ntnl.org with your request.
REGISTER HERE!

An Interdisciplinary Dialogue: The ABC's of Theology and Criminal Justice Reform and How They Impact the Lives of School Children of Color
2018-10-15 | SMU | Perkins School of Theology, PO Box 750133, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States
Join SMU | Perkins Office of External Programs for this panel discussion exploring the ways in which theology and criminal justice reform influence the systemic conditions that set a path from school to prison for many children of color today. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions, this event is FREE and open to all with an interest. Online registration will be available August 15. Contact Isabel Docampo for more information.

Briarwood Golf Outing / Fundraiser
2018-10-19 | Bridlewood Golf Club, 4000 Windsor Dr., Flower Mound, TX, 75028, United States
Funds raised from this Invitational Golf Outing are used to make camp affordable for all children and youth and provides camperships for those with specific needs. Thank you very much for your support of this endeavor and for your continued support of the ministry at Briarwood!

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2018, Course 2
2018-10-20 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

MEF "Seeds That Change" Dinner/Fundraiser
2018-10-20 16:00 - 19:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
REGISTER / DONATE HERE.

“Seeds That Change”
The Executive Director and Board
of the
Mission Endowment Fund
NT-NL Synod of the ELCA
would be honored by your presence at the
Annual Dinner and Fund Raiser
with
Silent Auction/Entertainment
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Ticket Donation: $40.00
Table of 8 Discounted at $300.00
Calvary Lutheran Church
7020 Baker Blvd. Richland Hills, TX 76118

REGISTER / DONATE HERE.

“Semillas Que Cambian”
la Directora Ejecutiva y el Consejo
de
Mission Endowment Fund
NT-NL Synod of the ELCA
se Honra en invitarle a la
Cena Anual para Recaudacion de Fondos
con
Subantas Silenciosa y en Vivo/con Entretenimiento
Sabado 20 de Octobre de 2018, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Donacion: $40.00
Mesa para 8 con Descuento: $300.00
Calvary Lutheran Church
7020 Baker Blvd., Richland Hills, TX 76118

REGISTRARSE / DONAR AQUÍ.

Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence Presents ﻿The Second Annual ArkLaTex Lecture
2018-10-22 | SMU | Perkins School of Theology, PO Box 750133, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie

Dr. O. Wesley Allen
Co-sponsored by The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church of Texarkana, Texas, this year’s keynote lecture is “How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon” by Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, a renowned preacher, author, and Director of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. Alyce McKenzie, Director of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence and La Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins, will offer a workshop titled “Holy Boldness: The Four Virtues of the Prophetic Preacher” at the conference. A second workshop titled, “Sermon Series vs. the Lectionary—A False Dichotomy,” will be taught by Wes Allen, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics at Perkins. Email the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence or visit their website for more information.

Mosaic in Dallas Partners in Possibilities Luncheon
2018-10-25 | Addison Conference and Theatre Centre, 15650 Addison Rd, Addison, TX, 75001, United States
Save the Date!
More details forthcoming.

Lutheran Men in Mission "One Year to Live" Retreat
2018-10-26 - 2018-10-28 | Camp Chrysalis, 391 Upper Turtle Creek Road, Kerville, TX, 78028, United States
The ELCA’s Lutheran Men in Mission sponsors One Year to Live Retreats for men all across the nation. The retreat this year is at Camp Chrysalis (between Bandera and Kerrville, TX) on October 26-28, 2018. These retreats provide men with an opportunity to spend time away together and to come closer in their walk with Christ. They have been described as life-changing weekends; recognizing, embracing, and living confidently through God’s grace. About 15 to 25 participants attend each retreat. There are sponsorships for men between 20 and 30 years of age. These sponsorships will pay up to 90% of the registration fee.
Prayerfully consider being one of the men to take advantage of this spiritual awakening.
Early Registration = $195 (by September 15)
Regular Registration = $225 (by October 8)
Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 5 meals, and retreat materials.
Click here for a brochure with complete details and registration information.
For more information, contact Jim Monkman at 817-346-0943 or jim_monkman@yahoo.com.

NT-NL Synodical Women's Organization 2018 Convention
2018-10-26 - 2018-10-27 | Rejoice Lutheran Church, 12000 Independence Pkwy, Frisco, TX, 75035, United States
Save the Date!
There will be a business meeting on Friday afternoon, where a new president and board will be elected.
Saturday morning, our speaker will be Kathryn Koob from Iowa, who will speak about her 444 days in captivity during the Iran Crisis in late 1979 and early 1980.
There will be other events and activities during the weekend.

Building an Inclusive Church training
2018-10-26 - 2018-10-27 | St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1210 W. Belt Line Rd, Richardson, TX, 75080, United States
St. Luke’s, Richardson, and the NT-NL Public Witness Team for Peace and Justice, have partnered with Reconciling Works: Lutherans for Full Participation to host a training workshop on creating dialogue in your faith community about intentionally and publicly welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. The goal of training is to help you create a process that deepens relationships rather than divides.
Friday, October 26, 5:30-9pm
Saturday, October 27, 9am-5pm
Cost is $100 ($25 for students, $50 for restricted income) which includes training, materials, and food.
Register at RWKS.org/BIC. Fifteen registrants are necessary to hold the training, so we hope to see you there!
Click here for a flyer with more information.

Community-Wide Texas Advocacy Training
2018-10-27 09:00 - 12:00
You are invited to a Community-Wide Advocacy Training on Saturday, October 27, from 9am to 12n at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas.
Join us for a Faith Leader Panel, Advocacy 101 training, and Breakout Sessions focused on Hunger, Immigration, Payday Lending, and Public Education.
Register online at http://texasinterfaith.org/training/.
A light breakfast will be provided.
Updates can be found on the facebook event page.
Access a flyer here.

Calvary Organ Dedication
2018-10-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Calvary Lutheran Church – Richland Hills, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX, 76118, United States
All are invited to enjoy the dedicatory program for the new organ at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7620 Baker Blvd, Richland Hills, TX 76118. The program will incorporate both hymn singing and organ performance. There will be a reception following the program.
We are delighted that Robert A. Hobby, Director of Music for Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will be with us to play the organ. Mr. Hobby is a highly regarded recitalist, performer, and workshop leader. He has over 150 compositions in print with many publishers.
We hope you will come and enjoy the celebration!

2018 ELCA Youth Leadership Summit
2018-11-01 - 2018-11-04
The ELCA Youth Leadership Summit is an annual gathering for high school youth identified as leaders and adult representatives from each synod from across the ELCA. This summit focuses on leadership development through engaging speakers and thought leaders in key areas at the intersection of leadership and faith in daily life and faith formation and building connections for high school youth in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Youth will be challenged to take home what they have learned to inspire action in their own synods and youth groups.
2018 ELCA Youth Leadership Summit
November 1-4
Camp Carol Joy Holling, Ashland, Nebraska

The theme for the 2018 Summit is “Through Christ We Can” and will use Philippians 2:1-5 as it’s scriptural base. The event will focus on young people’s call to ministry for the sake of others and advocacy because of their faith. For our learning and networking times we will be joined by various ELCA ministries and staff including Advocacy, Young Adult Ministries, Justice for Women and Global Mission.
Program, food, lodging, and local transportation costs are covered thanks to a grant the ELCA Youth Ministry received. NT-NL will cover travel to and from Nebraska for up to 4 (four) youth.
Registration will remain open until September 30. Contact molly.beckdean@elca.org with any questions.

Real Men: Masculinities in the Gospel of Matthew
2018-11-08 | Trinity Lutheran Church – Fort Worth, 3621 Tulsa Way, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States
John Tietjen Speaker Series: “Real Men: Masculinities in the Gospel of Matthew”
Rev. Dr. Kendra A. Mohn
Thursday, November 8th, 6:30 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 3621 Tulsa Way, Fort Worth, TX 76107
On Thursday, November 8th, at 6:30 pm, Trinity Lutheran in Fort Worth will hold the 2018 event in their John Tietjen Speaker Series. Rev. Dr. Kendra Mohn will present her dissertation work on masculinity and Roman empire in the Gospel of Matthew. Dr. Mohn, who serves as one of the pastors at Trinity, finished her PhD in May at Brite Divinity School. Questions and discussion will follow her presentation. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome!
Click here to access a flyer.

The 2018 Blandy Lectures
2018-11-08 - 2018-11-10 | Seminary of the Southwest, 501 E. 32nd St., Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The 2018 Blandy Lectures, at the Seminary of the Southwest, in Austin, Texas, will be held November 8-10, 2018.

The featured speaker for Thursday, November 8, at 7:30pm, is Ray Suarez, who will address “The Fragmentation of Authority in Contemporary Culture.” Suarez will deliver a candid and authoritative examination of society, politics, and the broad impacts of America’s demographic shift to a “minority majority”. The Thursday evening address is FREE and open to the public. Registration is requested.
Suarez is known for his work with Al Jazeera America and PBS NewsHour. He is the current John J. McCloy Visiting Professor of American Studies at Amherst College. Please register online at https://ssw.edu/event/2018-blandy-lectures-and-alumni-convocation/ for this and other presentations during the November 8-10 lecture series. There is a registration fee for other lectures, which are: “Gender and Sexual Orientation in the 21st Century” and “Navigating Difficult Conversations in a Polarized World.”
The Seminary of the Southwest (SSW) is located at 501 E. 32nd Street, Austin, Texas 78705. The Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest is located on the campus of SSW.

Bridging the Divide: Skills for better, more civil conversations in an uncivil society
2018-11-10 09:00 - 13:00 | Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 715 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
We live in a polarized society in which neither “side” listens to the other. Families are being split apart, friendships are fractured, and even our church family finds it difficult to bridge the divide. We are unable to talk about the most important topics that affect our lives. We can do better. This workshop provides a Biblical foundation for honoring the humanity of others, and teaches skills to have better, more meaningful conversations with those with whom we disagree.
Click here for a bulletin insert in PDF format.
REGISTER HERE.

Perkins Fall Convocation on Creative Worship
2018-11-12 - 2018-11-13 | SMU | Perkins School of Theology, PO Box 750133, Dallas, TX, 75275, United States
Brian McLaren
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

This two-day event will focus on the intersection of justice and worship. Featured speakers will be author, speaker, activist, and public theologian Brian McLaren, along with Sandra Maria Van Opstal. A second-generation Latina, Van Opstal is a liturgist and activist dedicated to re-imagining worship that mobilizes for reconciliation and justice. Registration is available online. For updates, sign up to receive email notifications about our Fall Convocation for Church Leaders, or follow SMU | Perkins School of Theology on Facebook!

Young at Heart Retreat
2018-11-13 - 2018-11-15 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Our Young at Heart Retreat is November 13 – 15, starting at 4pm Tuesday and ending at 1pm on Thursday. Our theme is Lights, Cameras, Classics! We will be talking about classic movies and their legacies and relating them to our own legacies. Register here.

National Young Adult Discernment Retreat
2018-11-16 - 2018-11-18
Bishop Gronberg has made Youth and Youth Adult Ministry a priority for NT-NL. This is another great opportunity for our young adults to connect with ELCA young adults from across the country.
Why Me? Why Now? Why This? – Listening for God in a Noisy World.
Hosted by ELCA Seminaries and ELCA Young Adult Ministries
November 16-18
Tallapoosa, GA
With so many voices seeking our attention, how do we learn to listen to the voice of God?
What is our vocation and how is our faith called to be alive in that vocation?
The Seminaries of the ELCA and Young Adult Ministries, along with participants from across the whole ELCA, will spend time sorting through some of the predominant voices competing for our attention – voices that stake a claim on who we should be, what we should value, and what makes us happy. We will spend time thinking about the voice of God which lays claim on our lives, how that impacts how we spend our time, and how following God’s call might help us find a sense of purpose, meaning, and even joy.
Who: Young adults (18-30ish)
How Much: $50. We know cost of attendance is a huge hurdle for young people, that’s why we’re committed to paying all travel, lodging, and food costs for this event. You will see on the event page that there is a $50 registration fee. This is so that people have a little of their own “buy in”, but please don’t let this be the reason young people you know don’t join us. Email Savanna.Sullivan@elca.org if the $50 will be a problem for potential participants.

MEF Board meeting
2018-11-17 | Our Redeemer Lutheran – Grand Prairie, 4729 S. Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX, 75052, United States

Parish Lay Ministry Academy, Fall 2018, Course 3
2018-11-17 09:00 - 15:30 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States

Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge
2018-11-18 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Looking for a fun evening out? Like to laugh? Want a great meal? Enjoy testing your knowledge? Care about young adults? These all come together in the Lutheran Campus Ministry Trivia Challenge, November 18, at 4pm at Briarwood Retreat Center. All funds generated go to the NT-NL Campus Ministry Mission Fund, benefitting Lutheran Campus Ministry in the NT-NL Synod.
Form your team of 8, design table décor that reflects a ministry of your congregation or some aspect of campus ministry. Or simply go for creativity. Then register for lots of fun. Our meal is being catered by Chef Carlos Carrasquillo. For more information, contact Pastor Celene Welch: 817/269-1229 or pastor@lcmdenton.org.

ELCA Coach Training, Level 2
2018-11-29 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center at Briarwood, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Focus: Stewardship
Tentative schedule: 9:30am – 3pm (with a working lunch provided)
Participants must have completed Level 1 training and all required follow-up.
After completing labs, you can become a Level II coach in the ELCA.
Click here for the ELCA Coaching Ministry Overview.
REGISTER HERE.
The event is limited in size and will be heavily subsidized by the ELCA and DiscipleLife Endowment Funds. The cost per person will assist with materials and presenters and invites commitment from participants.

Upper Elementary Winter Retreat
2018-11-30 - 2018-12-02 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
See event link below for details and to register.

Candidacy Retreat
2018-11-30 - 2018-12-01 | Briarwood Leadership Center, 670 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX, 76226, United States
Click here for full details and to RSVP.

High School Service Day (DFW area)
2018-12-01 09:00 - 19:30
We are excited to announce that we are hosting our sixth annual event for high school youth!
This will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2018, with an overnight option for those who would like it, and will combine a variety of activities:
Worship,
Service Projects,
Dinner
This year we are doing a Day of Service versus a weekend for a couple of reasons: First, we want to be good stewards of money and offer several options so that everyone can participate. Second, we know this is a busy season with Christmas pageants and want to respectful of your time. If it looks like there a quite a few who want to spend Friday night or Saturday night, we may add evening programming!
Each group will be asked to bring water bottles for their kids (for Saturday’s service project) and eat before you arrive Saturday morning. Lunch & Dinner will be provided for all participants. We will send out service project assignments with your confirmation letter so you will know if special tools or attire are needed. We will begin at 9:00am with a devotion time and then head out to work site(s). In the late afternoon, we will gather to share stories and have dinner together. Congregations who would like to have an overnight component may do so for $100/room. Those that are traveling and would like to stay at a church on Friday and/or Saturday night versus a hotel, we would be happy to arrange that for you (please let Janelle, the registrar, know).
Please send your $15 per youth and adult in by November 15 so we are sure to have enough project sites.
Blessings,
The Planning Team
info@ntnlyouth.org
Click here for the registration packet with full details.
